Drug Chemistry & Toxicology

Section chemists perform the chemical analysis of evidence from criminal investigations, such as drugs, poisons, blood alcohols, and blood drugs. They also respond to illegal drug labs and assist in all phases of investigating a meth lab, including searching the crime scene and collecting evidence.

Section chemists utilize state-of-the-art instrumentation systems to analyze evidence. These chemists also testify in state and federal courts as expert witnesses during criminal prosecutions.

Methamphetamine lab investigations are time- and labor-intensive, and potentially explosive. Cocaine accounts for the majority of the drug cases analyzed, followed by marijuana, heroin, and LSD.